How to Establish a Team

You’re interested in rowing, but, don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place. Here is a handy guide for those new to the Royal St. John’s Regatta.

yellow FLAGLast Updated: 3:50pm - Sep 12, 2019

Find Five Other People

There are six people in a boat for fixed-seat rowing. Along with the Coxswain, Number six (or the stroke) sets the pace. The even numbers are the stroke side and odd numbers are the bow side. Generally, your Coxswain will determine the position number, unless you have had previous experience and preference.

Once you have collected six people, you are ready for the next step.

Find a Coxswain

This step is VERY important as you cannot get into a shell without a trained Coxswain. The best way to find a Coxswain is ask around the dock to see if anyone knows of anyone available, check out our online bulletin board or check the bulletin board at the Boathouse.

You could also check with our Technical Director, they may be able to lead you in the right direction.

Age Categories

You now have enough people to row your shell and someone to steer it. Next you will need to determine what age category your team falls under. This is very important in determining the fee amount, which will arm you with better knowledge when approaching a potential team sponsor.

Age Categories

Age Categories

Age Categories

Squirt

For Any oarsperson between the age of 10 and 13 as of December 31 of the year of the regatta. Squirts row a modified course and must wear approved flotation devices at all times. Rowing during sanctioned events may be impacted by weather and is at the discretion of the Captain of the Course. Take the age of the rower on Dec. 31st of the year of the regatta. If that person is 10, 11 or 12 they may only row squirts. If they are 13 they may row Squirts or Midget but only one age catagory in any regatta. For a rower age 14 on Dec. 31st they must row Midget or potentially Juvenile.

Midget

Any oarsperson under the age of 16 as of December 31 this year.

Juvenile

Any oarsperson under the age of 18 as of December 31 this year.

Intermediate

Any oarsperson under the age of 21 as of December 31 this year.

Senior

All registered oarspersons who are not rowing as Squirt, Midget, Juvenile, Intermediate or Masters.

Masters (Female)

A female oarsperson who shall be 41 years of age as of December 31 this year.

Masters (Male)

Any oarsperson who shall be 46 years of age as of December 31 this year.

Coxwains must be 19 years of age as of December 31 of this year.

Minimum age of any oarsperson is 10 years, as of December 31 this year.

Find a Sponsor

The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee charges a very low fee for Rowers to train at Quidi Vidi Lake the entire summer and participate in the Royal St. John’s Regatta and Discovery Day Regatta as such, some teams do not have a sponsor and opt to pay the registration fees themselves (for an adult team it is only $167 per Rower, for the entire summer). However, many teams find a team sponsor.

Be sure to include information pertinent to a sponsor such as, where their money is going and what they will get in return. Don’t forget, it is not just the fees for which you are seeking financial assistance, it’s also team uniforms.

Check out our sample sponsorship letter which details exactly what the sponsor will receive in place of their sponsorship. Feel free to modify the areas highlighted in yellow and use this letter when approaching your potential sponsors.

Register Your Team

Registration for the Royal St. John’s Regatta generally opens during the first week of May, however, if you do not have your fees by then, don’t worry! Registration is not due until June 17.

Remember, you also have the option to participate in the Placentia Regatta and the Harbour Grace Regatta. Most teams who train at our facility to participate in all three Regattas. These fees are separate from the Royal St. John’s Regatta fees and participation is highly encouraged, but, not required.

Finally...

Now; with your full team, coxswain and sponsor, you are ready to enjoy the sport of fixed-seat rowing.

For additional information on technique, strategies, training, and skill development, rowers and coxswains are encouraged to check out the Fixed Seat Rowing website.